Spigot: Unexpected results in Pd

Question

I am getting unexpected results from [spigot], for example:

Here, I would never expect an output below (or equal to) 5. However, sometimes it does happen, demonstrated in the above screenshot.

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Could someone please explain,

• Why this happens?
  • Is there a delay introduced in the [> 5] branch?
  • Is this because of "wiring order"?
• Whether it's possible to fix it, and how?

Answer 1

This happens because of message order. If you connect one atom with two patch cords, the first connected will transmit first. Your patch is not explicit, as I can't see in the resulting patch which was connected first. To avoid this, always use the trigger object. In your case add a [trigger float float] (or [t f f] for a shorthand) after the numberbox.